Canada has grown to become a leader in the life sciences sector, demonstrating a wide range of expertise in transforming health challenges into innovative solutions. This reputation is built on national investments in the sector, robust provincial and territorial healthcare systems, specialized subject matter expertise and a network of research institutions that together are shaping global advancements in health care. With a keen focus on national and international collaboration—and partnerships that push the boundaries of medicine and healthcare technology—Canada is a compelling destination for business events and conferences focused on life sciences.

Within Canada's vibrant life sciences sector, Calgary, Alberta emerges as a leader, home to more than 120 life sciences companies. These range from startups to world-renowned institutions, all making substantial contributions to global health. The city also benefits from the province's expansive and integrated healthcare system, which provides seamless access to comprehensive, high-quality patient data, fuelling research and innovation.

The city's life sciences ecosystem is enriched by world-class research and treatment facilities, and a critical mass of technical talent. Calgary is not just a hub for health innovations—it is a shining beacon, attracting global attention for its groundbreaking approaches to addressing pressing health issues.

World-Class Facilities and Innovators in Calgary

Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute

Home to more than 200 researchers, this institute is at the forefront of precision oncology, creating advanced therapies that target specific cancer mutations. It drives innovation in cancer diagnostics and treatments, including research into novel drug therapies and radiological advances. The institute also emphasizes community outreach and education on cancer prevention, offering resources and programs that promote early detection and healthier lifestyles.

Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre

This newly-opened facility serves as a hub for comprehensive cancer care, integrating treatment, research and patient support services under one roof. Designed to accommodate 160 inpatient beds and extensive research labs, the centre focuses on personalized treatments based on genetic profiling, aiming to set new standards in patient care. Its state-of-the-art facilities will support advanced studies into cancer biology and treatment efficacy, further solidifying Calgary’s role in global cancer research.

Life Sciences Innovation Hub

Supporting the growth of more than 100 startups, the Life Sciences Innovation Hub provides students, researchers, and entrepreneurs crucial infrastructure like wet and dry labs, specialized equipment, and access to expert guidance. The hub has facilitated significant technological breakthroughs and product developments, contributing to Calgary's reputation as a thriving centre for biomedical and health technology innovation. It also attracts significant investment, fostering collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs and investors to drive commercialization in the life sciences sector.

International Microbiome Centre

Known for its cutting-edge research, this centre explores the complex interactions between microbial communities and human health. Its work includes developing therapies that manipulate the microbiome to treat chronic diseases, increase the efficacy of immunotherapies and promote health. The centre's research has implications for a wide range of fields, from improving human health to enhancing agricultural practices and environmental conservation. It also contains one of the most comprehensive germ-free facilities in the world and is home to the Wild Microbiome & Immunology Centre, dedicated to translational research with re-wilded mouse lines.

Spyhill Campus

This campus is a critical part of the University of Calgary’s veterinary medicine faculty, providing comprehensive training and research facilities, including specialized areas for clinical skills development, a veterinary sciences research station and a wildlife research station. The campus supports innovative educational methods, such as service-learning and augmented reality, to enhance veterinary training. Additionally, it plays a vital role in wildlife conservation and public health education, involving the community in its initiatives and research.

Project neuroArm

Project neuroArm represents a pinnacle of medical robotics innovation. Originating from the University of Calgary and Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre, this project has pioneered the world’s first MRI-compatible robot capable of performing intricate neurosurgery. Using microsensors, artificial intelligence (AI) and unique data-infrastructure, the team is transforming surgical care into an interconnected platform—the novel IoT-OR (internet of things–operating room). Their next-gen telerobotic system, the neuroArm+CellARM, further underscores Calgary’s commitment to advancing medical technology not just for terrestrial applications but potentially for use in space missions, illustrating the project's wide-ranging implications.

Harnessing AI Excellence for Life Sciences Innovation

Calgary’s ascendancy in the life sciences is further propelled by its leading-edge work in AI, supported by world-leading organizations like the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII), one of Canada’s three centres of AI excellence as part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, and the Centre for Health Informatics at the University of Calgary. AI applications in Calgary span big data processing, predictive analytics, and research and development, with expanding uses into environmental monitoring and predictive maintenance. This technological prowess enhances Calgary’s appeal as a nexus for life sciences innovation, drawing in researchers and investors alike.

Calgary offers a compelling narrative as a leader in life sciences, underscored by its advanced research facilities, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and strategic advancements in medical technology and AI. 

A natural host for business events focused on life sciences, Calgary not only offers access to world-class facilities and experts, but also presents opportunities to experience these innovations firsthand, build new connections in the global life sciences community, and convene, collaborate and create in one of Canada’s most dynamic cities.

Life sciences leaders and associations looking to push the frontiers of health innovation need look no further than Calgary, a city where the future of global health is being shaped today.